Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics

This is an introductory text in astronautics. It contains historical background and a discussion of space missions, space environment, orbits, atmospheric entry, spacecraft design, spacecraft subsystems, and space operations. It features section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations, and is extensively illustrated with many photos, figures, and examples Space law, politics, and economics This is a truly user-friendly, full-color text focused on understanding concepts and practical applications but written in a down-to-earth, engaging manner that painlessly helps you understand complex topics. It is laid out with multi-color highlights for key terms and ideas, reinforced with detailed example problems, and supported by detailed section reviews summarizing key concepts, terms, and equations.

References to this book

About the author (2000)

William J. Astore, D.Phil., read modern history at Oxford and taught military history at the United States Air Force Academy. He is currently serving as associate provost and dean of students at the Defense Language Institute s Foreign Language Center. He lives in Monterey, California.